We have seen these Kapamilya actors etch limitless characters in teleseryes – from good guys to cruel kontrabidas and everything else in between. But the one role they treasure the most in their hearts is that of being a loving and hands-on father to their adorable daughters. As we celebrate Father’s Day 2021, we list down Kapamilya actors who are proud to be called ‘girl dads.’
Jake Ejercito and Ellie
Move over, girls crushing on Jake Ejercito, because the newest Kapamilya actor is so in love with only one – his daughter Ellie. And the internet keeps adorable receipts of their uber-cute and special bond, such as the trending message thread that has Ellie’s ‘moody’ responses to her dad. Coming from a celebrated clan of action stars and public figures, Jake sure has this solid manliness in him, but how refreshing it is to see a tough guy turn so mushy over his little princess.
In a co-parenting setup with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann, Jakes seizes every moment he can spend with Ellie. He is there, as much as possible, even in her messy playtimes and unicorn-themed parties, all for the “loveliest in his galaxy.” And if you need something to warm your hearts quick, just check out his cheesy captions about Ellie on Instagram! Catch more of Jake in his upcoming Kapamilya teleserye “Marry Me, Marry You.”
Carlo Aquino and Enola Mithi
This is how Carlo Aquino introduced his daughter, Enola Mithi, to the world: by posting her newborn pic and writing as caption “You can thank the stars all you want but I’ll always be the lucky one,” the lyrics to the song “Your Universe” by Rico Blanco. Because she is indeed his universe, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her – late-night nappy change and bath time included.
The La Vida Lena leading man prides himself on being a hands-on dad and his partner Trina Candaza makes sure the world knows how grateful and proud she is of him for taking care of their little family.
JC Santos and River Altheia
You would know JC Santos is taking on his daddy and hubby duties seriously by his eagerness to build a safe, happy nest of love for wife Shyleena Herrera, and their little unica hija River Altheia. He wowed with a kitchen renovation – symbolic of his role of providing his family sustenance. For Baby River’s first birthday, JC brought her to her first Boracay getaway and made the event extra meaningful despite the pandemic.
In an interview for Kapamilya Chat, the actor, last seen in the action-drama series Walang Hanggang Paalam, gushed about how Baby River made his 2020 one for the books. It’s not easy to navigate an unfamiliar place, much more if that territory is called fatherhood, but he enjoys every moment especially the snuggle sessions with Baby River while stuck at home. His social media feed will serve as proof.
John Prats, and Feather and Forest
We see him as the stalwart Task Force Agila member Jerome Girona in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, but at home, John Prats bows down to his little ‘kumanders’ Feather and Forest (who’s turning one soon!).
He is a big fan of his daughters and is even proud to be a stage dad. During Feather’s school performance, for instance, John was not only present but he was seen fixing her costume. Little Feather also got her Daddy Dynamite’s dance floor swag, making them social media’s cutest dance duo. When at home, John’s ultimate hobbies are TikTok sessions with Feather and cuddle time with Forest. He adores his kids so much that he never gets tired of taking their photos and videos, and he always pays tribute to wife Isabel Oli – and we super love that about him.
JC De Vera and Lana Athena
Warm and caring with a little ‘kwela’ and sans the dad bod is JC De Vera’s mark as a father to 3-year-old Lana Athena — his mini ‘bungisngis’ version! The La Vida Lena actor is, well, a hot guy but what makes him hotter is his pure devotion to his daughter and the way he finds bliss in their simple moments such as snuggle sessions, bath time and toothbrush routine.
He would gamely volunteer as Lana’s human doll and let her adorn his hair with colorful clips and – forget about the tough leading man image – JC is willing to hold a pink hairbrush to fix his princess’ crowning glory. And who says fitness time is a man’s sacred hour? JC can juggle workout sesh and daddy duties by turning push-ups into ‘horsey-horsey’ play.
Kean Cipriano and Stellar
Rockstar and actor Kean Cipriano has found the girl to sing his love songs to – his 5-year-old daughter, Stellar. Here’s a fun fact according to Kean’s wife, Chynna Ortaleza’s Instagram post: He just then finished a gig and Dolce Amore taping before rushing to the hospital to make it in time for Chynna’s labor. Now, that’s dedication!
Having a knack for weaving beautiful words together, Kean writes the cheesiest love letters to Stellar, such as the poem titled “Four Twenty Baby” he penned for her birthday. He also composed a song for her when she was still a baby. Guys will have big shoes to fill in the future. We wonder what Kean thinks about this. For now, he enjoys this light, romantic and blissful tune he plays –the music of fatherhood.
Ian Veneracion and Dids
Here’s one ‘angas’ tandem on our list! In love with the outdoors, Ian Veneracion bonds with his daughter, Dids, by introducing her to his adrenaline-rushing hobbies and interests. They share the same love for and bond over extreme activities like paragliding, climbing, and motorcycle riding, besides their shared love for music. More than these similarities, what we love about this duo is the mutual respect and acceptance.
Photo credit didsdaflyer IG
In an interview on Magandang Buhay, Ian, who last played a dad role in Make It With You, talked about embracing his daughter’s sexual orientation as a lesbian and being supportive of her choices.
Richard Gomez and Juliana
We call Richard Gomez many names that honor his handsome, demi-god face and career as an actor. But, at home, he simply is a family man. As a father to Juliana, Richard is a man of few words yet full of wisdom.
He said in an interview on TWBA that he rarely talks to Juliana about personal matters such as lovelife but he gives the realest advice when needed. And his top reminder to his lovely unica hija: “Huwag kang hahanap ng boyfriend na katulad ng Daddy mo pero kung maghahanap ka ng asawa, hanapin mo ‘yung katulad ng Daddy mo.” However a man chooses to live his life when he’s young, the presence of a daughter propels him to maturity and contentment. Such is the impact Juliana has on her father. They have lots of father-daughter kitchen memories, too!
Geoff Eigenman, and Arabella & Pepper
A stark contrast to the perennially miffed Albert in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Geoff Eigenmann is a soft guy to his daughters Arabella and Baby Pepper. The head of the ‘Eigenhouse’ splits parenting tasks with fiancée Mara Flores, and that includes sending them to slumberland and playing as their human canvas. He can even go twinning with Arabella and prepare delicious and healthy snacks for the kids (which he did a sample of during a guesting for Kapamilya Chat).
During his interview for Magandang Buhay, Geoff mused on how his little kids are teaching him big things like seeing the world in their eyes.
Jhong Hilario and Sarina
Jhong Hilario is baptized as Sample King because of his swag and talent. But when his daughter was born last March, it seemed Baby Sarina doesn’t have to do much to steal the show. The ultimate sign of Jhong’s devotion to Sarina, besides being a hands-on dad (he even sacrificed work to spend time taking care of her), is flooding his Instagram with her photos and videos. We go heart-eyes over their cute cooing conversations, Sarina’s nap time on Daddy’s chest, morning sunlight sessions, them strolling around, and Jhong mimicking Sarina’s crying face.
In an interview for Magandang Buhay, Jhong gushed about the happy sacrifices of being a first-time Dad. For Jhong, being a father is life-changing, “Naging successful naman tayo sa pagiging Streetboys, actor, naging regular tayo sa It’s Showtime bilang host at marami tayong napapasang ordinansa, pero ang pinakakukumpleto talaga sa buhay ko ay ang pagiging Tatay.”
There’s nothing more heart-warming than a guy – called leading man, rock star, heartthrob, matinee idol, or any name that’s an ode to masculinity – pruned into loving, cheesy, hands-on dad to his daughter. Happy Father’s Day!